J ism-v1 n2-102-104

Abstract:

Attaining and sustaining good mental health is just as vital as other factors, such as exercise and diet, in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the relationship of our emotions and psyche to heart disease is intriguing. Ayurveda is not simply only a healthcare system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within human existence. The Ayurvedic approach to life requires listening to and addressing the unique needs of our body, recognizing and balancing our mental and emotional states and deepening our connection with our spirituality that are linked to prevent heart diseases. Ayurveda aims at striking at the very root cause of the disease. In this article, an attempt is made to review the Ayurvedic approach of preventive measures to control cardiac disorders by modifying emotional and mental status.

Key words: Hridaya; Manas; Yog.

Introduction: considered Hridaya as the seat of Chetana [4]. Vaghbhata has propounded hridaya as the seat of three psychic Ayurveda is one of the ancient systems of medicine in the qualities Sattva, Rajasa and Tamasa [mana]. Its seat has world, which essentially is a science of life, health and cure been clearly demarcated in the thoracic cavity i.e. between based on the eternal laws of nature. Ayurveda conceives Stanorah and Koshtha [5].ayu as the life as a four dimensional entity i.e. Sharira

(Physical Body), Indriya (Sense Organs), Sattva (Mind or Modern literature and western psychotherapist proposed Psyche) & Atma (Soul) [1]. Similarly it propounds an significant evidence which has accumulated that equally comprehensive four dimensional concept of psychosocial stress contributes to the etiology and swasthya or health. Thus, Ayurveda lays emphasis on total pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. In addition to health that is state of physical, sensorial, mental & spiritual direct influences through the nervous, endocrine, and well being [2]. immune systems, stress reduces the adoption and

maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and adherence to The definition of Health given by Ayurveda thousand years medical care [6]. Epidemiological evidence is before stands superior even to the latest definition of health compelling; several large and international studies have proposed by W.H.O just few decades ago. Ayurveda has shown that individuals reporting high levels of dealt with the subjects of mental health in detail psychosocial stress have significantly elevated risk of considering the importance of mind in the maintenance of cardiovascular diseases. Most notably, the inter-heart physical as well as mental health. The Mana Swasthya study demonstrated that among more than 30,000 essentially means a healthy mind with emotional well individuals, those who reported elevated stress had odds being logical behavior, cordial relationship with ratios for myocardial infarction of 2.5 [7]. High work environmental and appropriate thinking. demands and daily stress have also been associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality,

Review of Literature: with carotid artery intima-media thickness progression, There is a difference of opinion regarding the seat of Mana and with recurrent events. in the body though it is widely accepted in Vedas and Upanishada that Mana is located in the Hridya.

Discussion: Charaka believes that Manas resides in the hridaya, which

The great scientists of yesteryears of India were having is Moola sthana of Manovahasrotas [3]. Similarly Sushrut

Healing Heart with Mind

*Anupama Bandewar, ** Bharat Chouragade, ***Shyam Bhutada*Assistant Professor, Department of Sanskrit, Samhita & Siddhanta, M G A C H & R C, Salod [H] Wardha.;

[email protected]**Professor & HOD, Department of Sanskrit, Samhita & Siddhanta, M G A C H & R C, Salod [H] Wardha,

[email protected]***Prof & Dean, MGACHRC, Salod [H] Wardha, [email protected]

Journal of Indian System of Medicine, August, 2013 Vol.1, Number 2, 102

highly developed wisdom in terms of science, philosophy; Purusartha could be achieved. spirituality. The medical science is developing hand in Charaka enumerated following psychiatric symptoms hand with the same purpose. In modern era life has caused by Rajas and Tamas - Kama (Desire), Krodha become more stressful due to life style and over (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Delusion), Irshya ambitiousness resulting in manifestation of psychological (Jealous), Mana (Pride), Mada (Neurosis), Shoka (Grief), disturbances and mental disorders, which have come into Chinta (Depression), Chitodvega (Anxiety), Harsha existence like forest fire. (Exhilaration) and Bhaya (Fear or Phobia) [8]. In modern system of medicine, continuous and prolonged The Sattvavajaya Chikitsa aims at controlling the Mana or use of sedatives, tranquilizers, anxiolytics and hypnotics restraining of mana from disagreeable activities [9]. The for treating these mental ailments has resulted in rebound best method to protect our self from heart disease is to phenomenon and drug dependence causing further avoid all factors which bring Agony, Frustration, Anger, frustration and decline in mental health status. Serious and Fear in an individual. Maharishi Patanjali has attempts have been made in modern medical world to solve proposed a fundamental concept of ashtanga yoga which these problems but no proper solution could be found. It is gives us the subtle glimpses of Sattvavajaya Chikitsa. thus a need of time to thrust upon the principles of Yama means self-restraint, self-control and discipline. The Dinacharya, Ritucharya And Sadavutta as laid by all Yamas comprise the "shall-not" in our dealings with the compendia, which was designed with a view to cultivate a external world as the Niyamas comprise the "shall-do" in disease free society with a tinge of good moral and ethics our dealings with the inner world. Niyama means

"restraint", "observance", "rule", "restriction", generally denotes a duty or obligation adopted by a spiritual aspirant, or prescribed by a guru or by scripture.

The practices described for promotions of mental health i.e. purity of mana and its activity in Ayurvedic texts include:

1. Sadvritta Palan

2. Aachar Rasayan Sevan

3. Dharniya Vega Vidharan

4. Medhya and Divya Rasayan Sevan

5. Yoga Sadhana

6. Naishtiki Chikitsa

In a simple statement one of the key to good health is a positive mental health.

Conclusion:

With regards to Ayurvedic concept of mind , body (heart) and medicine it can be concluded that there is substantial scope to develop a non-pharmacological approach like Sattvavajaya equivalent to conventional cardiovascular therapeutic techniques of modern medicine in the management of stress induced cardiovascular diseases. More interventional and randomized control studies are still required to prove the concept of treating and healing heart with mind.

References:

[1] R.K. Sharma and V Bhagawan Dash, Charak making this world a conducive place of living for all. The samhita , Vol I: Text with English Translation and universal thinking of our masters/mentor is par excellence Critical Exposition, Chaukhambha sanskrit series as they gave the world a direction so that the Chaturvidh


Anupama Bandewar et.al. Healing Heart with Mind, JISM, Vol-1, Num-2, pp102-104

office, Varanasi (2005),Sutrasthan-1/42. [4] K R Srikantha Murthy, Sushruta Samhita, Vol I (2000): Text, English translation, Notes, [2] K.R.Srikantha Murthy,Sushruta Samhita,Vol I: Text Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi,Sharirsthan-w i t h E n g l i s h Tr a n s l a t i o n , C h a u h a m b h a 4/33Orientalia,Varanasi(2004)-Sutrasthan15/48.

[5] K.R Srikantha Murthy, Ashtanga Hrdayam, Volume [3] Harishandra Simha Kushvaha,Charak Samhita,Vol I (2006): Text English Translation and Notes I:Ayurveda Dipika's Ayushi Hindi Commentry, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi,Sharirsthan 4/13.Chauhambha Or ienta l ia ,Varanas i (2005) ,

Sutrasthan-30/4.


Anupama Bandewar et.al. Healing Heart with Mind, JISM, Vol-1, Num-2, pp102-104

Health & Medicine

J ism-v1 n2-102-104